“Powerful, despite it all” - invites viewers to embark on a kaleidoscopic journey reflecting on themes of memory, pain, and resilience through the lens of universal femininity.
Thought-provoking and relatable Bretez presents a personal narrative on femininity. Inspiring hope and healing through vibrant surrealist compositions she poses questions on self-expression and the social conformities imposed on women.
“Powerful, despite it all”.
« MY DESIRE IS MADE OF REPRESENTATIONS WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN MINE, THOSE WHO PROJECTED ONTO MY BODY THEIR DREAMS OF EXOTICISM AND THEIR DARKEST FANTASIES. – TO DESIRE BEYOND THE MALE GAZE. »
« SHOULD I HAVE SEEN TENDERNESS, INSTEAD OF THE BLOWS, AND BRUISES ON HER FACE. ANOTHER WAY TO LOVE, TO LEARN HOW TO LOVE MYSELF – BEING IN THE GRIP OF HIS HANDS. »
« I SAW YOU AGAIN AFTER EIGHT YEARS. BUT DEEP IN YOUR EYES I COULD NO LONGER SEE MYSELF. WHAT COULD I’VE DONE AGAINST ILLNESS AND MEMORIES FADING AWAY? – NOTHING BUT TO ACCEPT. »
« IN ONE NIGHT THEY TOOK FROM ME WHAT I HAVE NOT YET MANAGED TO FIND AGAIN. LEFT IN THE OPEN SEA, HOLDING BACK MY TEARS WITH A BITTER SHAMELESSNESS. – FIRST TIMES.
« I RAN TO FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS TO LIVE I FLED FROM RAIN-SOAKED LANDS, TO EMBRACE THE WET DAWN WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING THAT I HAD TO FIRST OF ALL CARESS WHAT HAS BEEN BURIED FOR TOO LONG. – I EXIST, DESPITE MY PAST.»